How much air pollution has increased post-Diwali celebration?

AIR pollution has surged significantly in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna and other cities over the past few days since the Diwali celebrations. Delhi's AQI rose to 362 at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 1. 

A rise in air pollution post-Diwali celebrations is a common trend, especially in northern India, where other factors like a drop in temperature, stubble burning, etc., add to the air pollution woes. Take a look at the data from major Indian cities to get an idea of how much air quality has deteriorated post-Diwali celebrations.

How much air pollution has increased post-Diwali?

The data table mentions the daily average AQI of selected Indian cities on October 30, October 31, and November 1, based on the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

City    AQI on October 30    October 31    November 1

Delhi    352    392    339
Mumbai    127    130    169
Bengaluru    74    95    135
Kolkata    126    102    155
Chandigarh    178    167    302
Kota    139    201    159
Nashik    130    96    164
Chennai    74    88    112
Hyderabad    78    85    135

In the national capital, the situation was similar, with a thin layer of smog engulfing the city. The AQI was recorded at 296 at 7 am on Saturday, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

A cyclist near India Gate told ANI that air pollution makes breathing difficult while cycling, jogging, or engaging in heavy physical activities.

Speaking to ANI he said, "There are serious problems because of pollution; if you look around, the air is polluted. When you walk normally, you don't feel it, but if you cycle, jog or do any heavy work, you will feel that it is quite difficult to breathe."